The National Post:
A Calgary private school unlawfully discriminated against two Muslim students by refusing to allow them to pray on campus, says the province’s human rights tribunal.
The Alberta Human Rights Commission fined Webber Academy a total of $26,000 for distress and loss of dignity after the boys were forced to hide at the school or leave the property during the city’s chilly winter to fulfill their faith’s obligations.
Neil Webber, the facility’s founder and president, said he was disappointed with the ruling released Thursday and said an appeal with Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench will be filed.
“A key pillar of our founding principles is that the school be a non-denominational environment in which children can thrive and focus on their academic success,” Webber said.
Categories: Americas, Canada, Religion, Secularism, Separation of Church and State
The principle of secularism dictates that every one should be able to practice ones religion, without forcing it on others from a position of political or other authority.
Two students in a large school cannot be perceived as forcing their religion on others.